Google has teamed up with Sphere Entertainment, Magnopus and Warner Bros. Discovery to reimagine the classic 1939 film, "The Wizard of Oz," for the Las Vegas Sphere's massive 160,000-square-foot LED screen. This innovative project utilizes Google's generative AI models, including Veo 2 and Imagen 3, to recreate the beloved movie in stunning 16K resolution.
The original 35mm film had to be magnified to fit the enormous screen, which posed significant technical challenges. The team employed AI-based "super resolution" tools to enhance the image quality, "AI outpainting" to expand scenes and fill gaps created by camera cuts, and "performance generation" to seamlessly integrate the actors into the expanded environments.
Despite using AI to revamp the film, the team ensured that the essence of the original remained intact. They incorporated supplementary materials like the shooting script, production illustrations and photographs to fine-tune the AI models. This approach allowed for a more immersive experience while maintaining the spirit of the classic film.
The reimagined "Wizard of Oz" will debut at the Las Vegas Sphere on August 28, offering an immersive sensory experience for viewers. With its innovative use of AI technology, this project sets a new standard for cinematic storytelling. The collaboration between Google, Sphere Entertainment, Magnopus and Warner Bros. Discovery showcases the potential of AI in redefining the entertainment industry.
